February 17th Annie Glenn Communication Disorders Awareness Day

Anna Margaret “Annie” Glenn is the widow of astronaut and Senator John Glenn. She suffered from a severe stutter for most of her life. Once she received treatment, and overcame her disorder, she became a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and communication disorders. In 2016, Governor John Kasich passed a law naming February 17th (Annie’s birthday) as Annie Glenn Communication Disorders Awareness Day in the State of Ohio.

DID YOU KNOW:

• Communication disorders are among the most common disabilities in the U.S.
• An estimated 40 million Americans experience speech, language, or hearing disorders.
• 28-60% of children with a speech and language deficit have a sibling and/or parent
  who is also affected.
• It is estimated that more than 3 million Americans stutter.
• Over 1 million Americans are functionally deaf.
• The 2nd most common reason for special education services in U.S. public schools is
  speech-language impairment.
• Communication disorders cost the U.S. approximately $154-$186 billion annually.
• 37.5 million American adults aged 18 and over report some degree of hearing loss.